With 25 years in the books, the Augusta Futurity begins a new chapter in its storied history.

Augusta Futurity show chairman William S. Morris III speaks about this year's event at the Augusta Metro Chamber of Commerce. Annette M. Drowlette/Staff

Now, the cutting horse show will try to trump the success it saw during its silver anniversary event last January.

"Do you all believe we've been doing this 26 years?" Augusta Futurity show chairman William S. Morris III remarked during Tuesday's Champions Club Roundup. "In order for an institution to remain over time it has to serve its constituents."

Morris recognized the Champions Club, a patrons group that financially supports the show. He also thanked those involved with the futurity's success, including sponsors, participants, volunteers and the city of Augusta.

"Without a doubt," he said, "Augusta's hospitable spirit has made the difference."

This year, the Augusta Futurity will be held Jan. 20-29 at Augusta-Richmond County Civic Center. The show will contain eight official events along with companion events, including the Western Horseman Cup finals, Area 18 youth cutting, Wrangler Family Fun Fest and the Extra Inning World Championship Bull Riding Competition presented by USC Aiken.

The futurity looks to build off the momentum of last year, when the show boasted its first $1 million purse and added a new event, the Western Horseman Cup finals.

Almost as many competitors are expected for this year's show after 674 attended last year. Also, another $1 million purse will be awarded.

Morris also announced the Horse & Carriage Parade, canceled last year because of a winter storm, will be moved to May 14. Morris said this change allows the parade to become its own event, and should prevent inclement weather from interfering.

The Western Horseman Cup finals, which will be held Jan. 28, is a winner-take-all, one go-round event strictly for the top points-earners throughout the 2004 season.

The champion of the open will earn $50,000, and the non-pro will earn $30,000.

Last year, Tag Rice and Chiquita Pistol won the Western Horseman Cup finals after missing the arena record the pair set the previous year by a half-point. The two went on to win the Classic Open finals the next night.

"Chiquita Pistol and Tag Rice put on the finest display of cutting I've ever seen," Morris said. "They won both events they entered in a spectacular way."

Speaking of spectacular, the bull-riding event has been extremely popular. The past two years, the rodeo competition has packed the civic center.

This year, the event, scheduled for Jan. 21, will be even bigger. USC Aiken coach Kenny Thomas, the event's organizer, said the prize money has tripled and the field of competitors is by invitation only.